In recent years, decades-old aesthetics have been making steady comebacks into the mainstream in an abundance of different forms. From young adults discovering '80s fashion trends through TV series like Stranger Things to older individuals seeing remakes and reunions of shows that defined their childhoods, it is undeniable that nostalgic sentiments will always hold a special place in viewers' hearts.
Because of this, it should be no surprise that audiences want to watch shows that centralize aesthetics from decades gone by more than ever. This trend in viewership showcases that nostalgic TV shows exist within a wide spectrum and can range from shows that aired decades ago to currently airing series with nostalgic sensibilities.
10 PEN15 Unapologetically Thematizes The Awkwardness Of Adolescence
PEN15 is a unique coming-of-age tale that features Maya Erskine and Anna Konkle as they portray adolescent versions of themselves. Since the show is set in the year 2000, it reminds viewers of the unmatched horrors of puberty, middle school, and cringey early 2000s fashion.
Shows like Lizzie McGuire and Gossip Girl often sensationalize the era by presenting teenage characters who are impeccably dressed and styled. However, PEN15 refreshingly differs from these shows by presenting characters who realistically struggle to follow fashion trends and overcome minor middle school dilemmas that seem like the end of the world at the moment.
9 WandaVision Was Inspired By Countless Sitcoms From Decades Gone By
WandaVision follows Wanda Maximoff as she lives an idyllic life surrounded by her loving family and friendly neighbors — until it is revealed that the too-perfect town of Westview and its residents are being held captive by the Scarlet Witch herself. Besides showcasing Wanda's grieving process in its abounding complexities, the miniseries continues to be praised for its nostalgic aesthetics.
These sensibilities are readily apparent since each episode takes place in a different time period and is inspired by various sitcoms. From the Brady Bunch-inspired intro sequence in Episode 3 to the Modern Family-inspired confessional moments when characters would talk directly to the camera in Episode 7, it is no secret that WandaVision is brimming with nostalgic sensibilities.
8 Derry Girls Brings Light To The Troubles & Tells A Uniquely Nostalgic Story
Derry Girls was inspired by creator Lisa McGee's own experiences of growing up in Derry, Northern Ireland, in the 1990s. While much of the series follows its fully-realized characters as they navigate their turbulent teenage years, the show is grounded by the great turmoil and havoc wreaked during the Troubles, a violent 30-year conflict concerning the future of Northern Ireland as a nation.
Even though ramifications of the Troubles are a central aspect of Derry Girls, the show breathes new life into the era and shines a refreshingly irreverent light on Northern Ireland's past. Since it can be difficult for a nostalgic show to successfully distance itself from politically heavy events happening in the background, the fact that Derry Girls does this with ease is truly commendable.
7 Cheers Takes Viewers Back To A Simpler Time
Cheers centers around employees and patrons of an eponymous Boston bar as they share their life experiences and bond over drinks. The show is primarily known for the compelling relationship between the bar's owner, Sam, and an aspiring poet who waitresses at Cheers named Diane.
Cheers is very nostalgic and beloved. This is primarily because of the lighthearted bonds between characters combined with the wistful sentiment of patronizing a local business so often that employees and fellow patrons become some of one's closest friends, and where everybody knows who one is.
6 Fresh Off The Boat Offers A Compelling Take On Classic, Nostalgic Sitcoms
Fresh Off the Boat follows the Taiwanese-American Huang family after they have moved from Washington D.C. to Florida and is loosely inspired by the eponymous memoir written by Eddie Huang, a well-known chef and food personality. Since the series is set from the mid-'90s to the early 2000s, it features nostalgic sentiments and frequently references contemporary aspects of pop culture.
The series is also nostalgic in a refreshing sense since it honors cultural references from decades gone by while bringing it to the modern era. While decades-old sitcoms typically feature white main casts and insensitive jokes that have aged poorly, Fresh Off the Boat features an Asian American main cast and isn't afraid to discuss societal evils like racism.
5 My Brilliant Friend Reminds Viewers Of The Flawed Beauty Of 1950s Naples
My Brilliant Friend is set in picturesque 1950s Naples and follows two young girls as they grow up and get to know one another. Despite being from entirely different backgrounds and having clashing personalities, they form an unexpected bond as they navigate the complex world of adolescence and grow into young adulthood together.
The series highlights the gritty, imperfect beauty of Italian cities in the 1950s through its stunning cinematography and distinct use of colors and nostalgic aesthetics. Because of this, My Beautiful Friend has been recognized as a remarkable, nostalgic TV show that has yet to receive the attention and praise it deserves.
4 Family Matters Features Evocative Familial Bonds & A Talented, Black Main Cast
Family Matters revolves around the relatively normal Winslow family as their lives are needlessly complicated by their endearing yet obnoxious neighbor, Steve Urkel. Despite originally being written to appear in a single episode, Urkel became the series' breakout character and joined the show's main cast after receiving immense praise.
The beloved sitcom aired from the late '80s and into the late '90s and contains plenty of nostalgic sentiments and aesthetics. From Urkel's signature oversized glasses and suspenders to the refreshing family dynamic between the Winslows and Urkel, it is practically impossible not to fall in love with the family and Urkel's lighthearted antics.
3 Stranger Things Is Heavily Inspired By Nostalgic Pillars Of Pop Culture
Stranger Things is set in the 1980s and centers around the abundance of unnerving mysteries that plague the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana. Besides featuring fully-realized characters that are easy to root for, the series has become a staple in pop culture due to its nostalgic 1980s aesthetics.
From characters' retro wardrobes to the outstandingly colorful and evocative Starcourt Mall that is featured in Season 3, it is abundantly clear that the creators of Stranger Things have fond memories of the '80s that they wish to impart to later generations. The series is also known for being inspired by countless nostalgic works, from classic science-fiction films like Alien and Close Encounters of the Third Kind to contemporary sitcoms like Friday Night Lights and Freaks and Geeks.
2 Freaks And Geeks Continues To Be Celebrated For Its Authentic Portrayal Of '80s Suburbia
Freaks and Geeks is a coming-of-age sitcom set in the early '80s and follows siblings Lindsay and Sam as they come to terms with their identities and how others see them as members of two drastically different cliques: the Freaks and the Geeks. In addition to featuring major actors who would move on to become big names in the entertainment industry, the show continues to be lauded for its refreshingly nostalgic 1980s elements.
These '80s aesthetics appear in an abundance of forms, from Bill's thick Coke-bottle glasses to Lindsay's signature green army jacket. While the show didn't receive the appreciation it deserved when it initially aired, it has since become a cult classic with a passionate fan base.
1 Full House Is An Undeniably Classic Sitcom That Formed The Backbone Of Countless Viewers' Childhoods
Full House is a classic sitcom centered around the unconventional Tanner family, which consists of a widowed father, Danny Tanner, his lovable brother-in-law, Jesse, his childhood best friend, Joey, and his three daughters. While Danny initially reaches out to Jesse and Joey to help him raise his daughters, the three men and three daughters become a loving found family that brings out the best in each other.
Besides the compelling bonds its characters share, Full House has become a pop culture phenomenon due to its nostalgically wholesome family values. As each episode concludes with a fatherly figure teaching one of the Tanner daughters an important life lesson, viewers' hearts melt and the occasional tear is shed.